Artifact 1 includes a description of the situation regarding the use of the EHR system that arose in our hospital. This artifact illustrates my personal growth as an effective communicator and the person prepared to implement change. Communication is a considerable part of nursing practice as we have to interact with patients, their families, other healthcare, and support staff. The artifact shows my achievement in the area of collaboration as I managed to identify the exact reason for a serious issue and tried to implement change. I made the necessary steps to make the person more collaborative and concentrated on improving the situation. I did not accept the situation as it was but addressed the IT specialist and my peers regarding their views on the system. I contributed to the creation of a sense of urgency, which is the first stage of change. Becoming an active change agent was a significant achievement for me as a nursing professional.
Artifact 2 (a presentation regarding fall prevention) is another evidence of my personal growth and professional achievement as regards leading people. I have conducted various managerial and administrative tasks during my career, while my recent contribution was specifically meaningful. I informed nurses about an existing problem and suggested a solution. I managed to deliver information in a succinct and effective form using visual aids. My presentation served as another stimulus to discuss the problem that was rather silenced but led to substantial negative outcomes. We started developing some protocols regarding the staff’s conduct in diverse situations, which led to considerable improvements. The staff became more confident when dealing with potentially hazardous situations, which contributed to a more favorable working environment. Patients also become more confident and satisfied as they saw that the person responds effectively to different situations.
Evidence-based practice has become the norm in the healthcare setting, which had led to various positive changes in the system. One of my achievements was the implementation of research that led to certain progress in our department. My analysis of the most recent advances related to fall prevention (namely, the effect of vitamin D intake) resulted in the improvement of the provided care. My findings equipped nurses with data, and they started incorporating this knowledge into their patient training activities. Patients received more relevant details regarding possible prevention methods, which also enhanced their satisfaction.
My inquiry into nursing-sensitive quality indicators was specifically influential in terms of my growth and development. When completing this assessment, I trained my research skills and obtained important information. I interviewed a colleague, which was an invaluable experience for my professional growth. I gained important skills that will be instrumental in gathering data in my future practice and improving the system. Listening and asking correct questions are important components of interviewing and any other type of communication.
I also learned about the importance of nurse satisfaction that was an influential building block of organizational performance. I started paying more attention to the way nurses feel about such aspects as schedules, staffing, workload, communication, and recognition. Whenever I notice that some of the nursing personnel’s emotional or psychological state is worsening, I try to identify the reason for that change. I talk to that person, and if the employee is concerned about one of the factors mentioned above, I am ready to become involved. I discuss these individuals’ issues and encourage them to communicate these problems to the administration and offer my help. I am ready to become an advocate for nurses’ work condition improvement, which may lead to the improvement of care quality.
Artifact 5 illustrates the way I self-develop and improve my skills to provide high-quality care that is consistent with the highest standards. The review of local and state regulations, policies, and standards regarding care coordination and the provision of care, in general, is a regular process for me. I always try to remain updated on current policies and protocols because it helps me complete tasks effectively and provide the necessary care to patients. I find these regulations specifically relevant when working with different groups and collaborating with the community. Our healthcare facility tries to contribute to the development of the community, and I take an active part in this process. My understanding of the existing rules helps me in informing people and assisting them in accessing the services they need. The collaboration with the community is also guided with the help of major standards, which is instrumental in avoiding various issues (related to miscommunication, unethical conduct, and so on).
My collaboration with patients, families, colleagues, and communities is also guided by data provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This organization provides the most recent information related to various health-related issues and topics. During the pandemic, this organization’s website has been one of the central sources of information for me, and I recommended numerous links to my patients, families, and healthcare staff. I believe this data has helped many people to avoid being infected, and access relevant details regarding their health conditions. I have to admit that many people have become too concerned with pandemic-related problems. However, we still need to provide care to people with different health issues, and the CDC was a good supplementary source for patient education.
I believe I am constantly growing as a professional, which can be traced when reviewing my resume. At the beginning of my career, I implemented diverse clinical procedures and provided care to patients. However, I knew I could do more than that and soon started fulfilling administrative and managerial tasks. My experience and education enable me to take up leadership roles and ensure effective care coordination that is critical for the proper performance of the facility. I encourage my peers to make sure they act in strict compliance with the existing protocols, regulations, and standards by highlighting the benefits of this approach.
I also worked on several projects that can illustrate my achievements. The development of a patient education handout was educational for me as well. I collaborated with peers to make sure they use the handout in their practice. Importantly, I asked for feedback to ensure the efficacy of the little project we realized. Once again, I was a coordinator and the advocate for patients’ and nurses’ needs. I realized that the launch of such little projects could make a difference as they contribute to the reduction of workload, nurse training and development, and the provision of high-quality care to patients. I think I have made substantial progress during these years in practice as I moved from a professional who completes tasks to one who improves the strategies and methods used in the clinical setting.


With the pandemic pressures on hospital systems, the pneumatic tube system is needed now more than ever. In 2021, nearly all US hospitals and health systems reported challenges in supply procurement. As accurate testing and dispensing are affected by these supply shortages, speed becomes more essential when transporting labs, pharmaceuticals, and supplies. Due to these shortages and the delicate nature of medical samples, 16 percent of hospital pharmaceutical inventory is wasted.
Pneumatic tube systems operate similarly to a subway system within the walls of a medical facility with sensors to ensure each carrier reaches its intended destination. Carriers move through tubes that run from station to station, floor to floor, and even building to building. Advanced technology provides seamless transport through these complex networks. Tube systems can connect to every floor, nurse station, and operating room to critical centralized services or across separate buildings.
As healthcare systems grow and evolve, tube systems can adapt to quickly deliver medication from central pharmacists, transport tests and samples directly to the lab without a staff courier, prioritize delivery of materials to critical patients in the ER, OR, or ICU, and reduce reliance on human couriers and time lost navigating busy hospitals.
Furthermore, advanced tube systems significantly reduce turnaround time for emergency testing, helping to reduce time to treatment and patient wait times in the ER. Pneumatic tube systems allow for material transfer nearly 20 minutes faster than systems without them while ultimately reducing operating costs, alleviating staffing shortages, and improving the quality of care.
Source: Swisslog Healthcare


With the evolution of the capital markets, new ideas and strategies are reaching Indian shores. The acceptance of fresh ideas leads to the emergence of new investment strategies, which eventually result in new financial products. The latest idea to gain traction in Indian investing circles is thematic investing. However, thematic investing in India is yet to gain mainstream awareness and the majority still do not have a clear idea of the philosophy.
What is thematic investing?
Our lives are guided by our understanding of the world around us. Similarly, it is easier to commit money to something that one understands. Thematic investing is a top-down investment philosophy that uses broad macroeconomic trends to analyse investment options. It seeks to align investment decisions with noticeable social, corporate or economic trends. The decision-making framework in thematic investing is based on ideas rather than facts alone. In traditional investing, fund managers select securities or assets based on their performance relative to the sector or the broader index.
On the contrary, thematic investing seeks to gain from the growth of companies or assets that have the potential to be direct or indirect beneficiaries of a broader trend. For instance, environmental sustainability is widely recognised as a popular trend. Governments world over are pushing for the adoption of cleaner technologies and regulating polluting industries. To gain from the trend, a fund manager may invest in a variety of companies spanning across traditional sectors. He/she may distribute the corpus across renewable power companies and electric car manufacturers.
How is a thematic investment created?
Thematic investing sounds simple, but the simplest of things require planning and a systematic approach to imitate at a large level. To create a thematic investment, fund managers choose a theme or trend expected to gain prominence in the future. Trends can be recognised by studying developments in society, technology, economics or specific regions. For example, digitisation of the economy can be considered to be a recognisable trend in India.
After zeroing on a trend, fund managers analyse if the trend is short-term, structural or speculative and how any changes in the trend will impact other sectors and regions.
Once the nature of the trend or theme is finalised, the fund manager identifies companies or exchange-traded funds with direct or indirect exposure to the trend through industries, customers, product line, services, business model or demographics. If we consider digitisation to be a trend, companies like Reliance Industries and Airtel can be said to be the direct beneficiaries. Additionally, listed companies that produce content for digital media can be considered to be indirect beneficiaries of the trend.
The fund manager narrows down the list by analysing companies likely to gain from the trend on various parameters like liquidity, risk, performance, quality of management, earnings estimate, etc. After a thorough analysis, the fund manager is left with the strongest stocks that are likely to gain from the trend.
Benefits of thematic investing
Thematic investing is a marked departure from traditional investing strategies like relative investing. It offers a wide variety of benefits to investors.
Intuitive investing: Thematic investing is based on the intuition and ideas of the investor. In thematic investing, you invest in companies and trends that resonate with you. You follow an idea for a long time when it excites you. Following a trend for a long time provides one an in-depth knowledge of the idea. Better knowledge gives you an edge and unique insights, which is likely to lead to smart investment decisions. Having a prior interest in a trend makes it easier to conduct thorough research which helps you customise your portfolio.
Investments aligned with values: One of the major benefits of thematic investing is that you can align your investments with your values. For instance, even if you are against animal cruelty, you invest directly or indirectly have to invest in livestock companies if they fit the parameters of traditional investing. In the case of thematic investing, the investments are more aligned towards your values as you choose the trends that you are passionate about.
Adequate diversification: Thematic investing strategies distribute the funds across companies and sectors ensuring adequate diversification. The portfolio contains various companies likely to benefit from a chosen theme. Other investment options like mutual funds also diversify the investment, but thematic investing offers adequate diversification. Mutual funds over diversify, which suppresses the returns, but thematic investments stick to a handful of companies based on a specific trend.
Conclusion
Thematic investing in India has been gaining popularity as it is easier to understand and simpler to execute. Thematic investing also ensures that you invest in the future rather than the past. A concentrated focus on a recognisable trend leads to higher returns. However, it is important to conduct thorough research to finalise the theme as an incorrect presumption can lead to undesirable results.


This report explores the evolution of shared mobility and electric transportation networks in China, India, and the United States. It evaluates the role of policy, economics, infrastructure, and behavioral norms in influencing mobility trends in these countries. The report argues that supportive policies are needed to accelerate this transition and help overcome behavioral norms that bias toward gas vehicles and the advantages of already-built fueling infrastructure. It highlights India’s success focusing finite EV subsidies on high-utilization vehicles to allow for the greatest leverage of public funds to increase electric vehicle miles while creating broad public exposure to EVs. Fast charging access is a major barrier to EV adoption and efficient deployment requires a coordinated and collaborative approach that engages the public and private sectors across both the transportation and electricity sectors.


Twain remembers well the most valuable lesson he learned as a steamboat pilot on the Mississippi: you have to know the entire river by heart, you have to learn it like your A.B.C.
He compares the practical knowledge gained from navigating the Mississippi to that derived from memorizing the Bible. According to Twain, a pilot's memory is about the most valuable thing in the world. On the other hand, knowing the Old and New Testaments by heart, being able to recite any part of them at random forwards or backward, is not nearly as impressive as the remarkable knowledge that a pilot acquires from navigating a river.
What Twain seems to be driving at here is that learning is doing, that deriving knowledge from practical activities is so much more worthwhile than simply cramming one's head with words and trying to memorize them.


Veterinary Surgery
At Everhart Animal Hospital, we offer a range of surgical procedures and adhere to stringent surgical protocols.
During veterinary surgery, a nurse provides anesthesia. They then watch your pet using electronic patient monitoring equipment. Additionally, we also provide pain management.
Following surgery, our primary focus is on post-operative monitoring and pain management. Additionally, your veterinarian will provide detailed instructions for at-home care.
What to Expect from Veterinary Surgery
We always keep you informed about why we're recommending surgery and any post-operative care your pet will need. At our clinic, we adhere to strict surgical protocols.
Surgical Procedures
At Everhart Animal Hospital, we perform surgeries to help treat disease and conditions in pets. We also perform them to repair injuries sustained through trauma.
Our Corpus Christi vets routinely perform the following elective and non-elective surgeries: Soft Tissue Surgery
Pets suffering from ear, nose, and throat disorders have soft tissue surgical procedures.
These surgeries are available for hepatic, urogenital, oncological, cardiothoracic, gastrointestinal, and skin disorders.
Spaying & Neutering
When we spay or neuter a cat or dog, we sterilize them to prevent disease. This can also provide them with an extended life expectancy.
C-Sections
During C-sections, we remove puppies or kittens from their mother's uterus with surgery.
C-sections are usually performed when the mother is unable to give birth naturally.
Ocular
If your pet experiences pain, redness, or other symptoms in or around the eyes, they may need ocular surgery.
These surgeries include eyelid tumor removal, cataract, ectropion, entropion, exoneration of the orbit, and cherry eye.
If your cat or dog needs a specialist to perform the surgery, our vets will refer you to a pet surgeon near Corpus Christi. We work closely with your animal surgeon to ensure that your pet receives the best possible care.
Orthopedic Surgery
Orthopedic surgeries correct injuries and diseases of the bones, ligaments, joints, tendons, and other skeletal structures in your pet. If your dog or cat is suffering from a condition or injury that requires advanced specialized care, your vet will refer your dog or cat to a vet surgeon near Corpus Christi.
Dental Surgery
Our veterinarians provide dental surgeries for dogs and cats. These surgeries can range from tooth extractions to gum disease treatment and jaw fracture repairs.
Veterinary Surgery Process
We understand that the prospect of bringing your pet in for surgery can be frightening. Rest assured, we recommend surgery when in the best interests of your furry companion.
We will make sure that you fully understand why we are recommending surgery. We want you to be comfortable deciding to move ahead. If your pet requires advanced care, our vets will refer you to a veterinary surgeon near Corpus Christi. We work with your vet surgeon to make sure that your pet receives the best possible care. Surgical protocols at our clinic include: Pre-surgical assessments. We will confirm the specifics of the procedure and complete a physical examination of the patient. We make sure to complete blood tests reviewed by the vet to decide if your pet faces any risk of anesthesia-related complications. Dedicated surgical suites. We perform Surgeries in a dedicated surgical suite. We keep this room sterile to prevent infection and cross-contamination. Surgical attire. Our staff wears disposable caps and masks at all times when they are in the surgical suite. Those involved in the procedure will also wear sterile gowns and single-use gloves. Sterile packs and equipment. We clean, sterilize and wrap our surgical instruments and equipment before every surgery.


The Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) recently issued a new proposal as a part of their Ten Year Rate Review. We have kept our finger on the pulse of this important developing story since the initial release of their recommendations. These changes will impact the budgets of NPOs across the United States, so we all need to understand what is happening and lock arms in solidarity to ensure our industry’s voice is heard.
How did we get here?
The Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act (PAEA) mandated a 10-year review of the USPS CPI-cap rate system in 2016, which capped rate increases at the level of inflation. The requirement stated that the PRC had to review this rate-making system and determine if it met the original objectives. In 2017, the PRC found that the current system was not meeting the original objectives, and outlined areas of concern. This past December, the PRC issued an updated 2020 proposal and recommendations.
What is happening now?
Essentially the 2020 proposal provides greater autonomy on rate making and could substantially impact nonprofit mailers if it comes to fruition. Rather than increases based on CPI currently in place, there would be less moderation, if any at all, on price changes. When the mailing industry evaluated the potential impact in 2017 they believed some mailers could possibly see a 28-40% increase in postage. While the 2020 proposal is very similar to the 2017 original we evaluated, there are modifications that could mean even greater increases.
What can you do to make your voice heard?
Our industry can respond with comments until Monday, Feb 3rd. The Alliance of Nonprofit Mailers is advocating for NPOs to gather details that can be generated into declarations representing the Nonprofit Mailing Industry as a whole. We will share additional details, template letters and more as we continue to learn more. Stay tuned for additional collateral in the coming weeks.
Carolyn, PS’ Director of Resource and Postal Affairs, has been serving with PS since 2016. With over 24 years of experience in our industry, Carolyn has a deep knowledge about sourcing and managing supplier relationship across various operational areas and a signiﬁcant portion of her career has been focused on direct mail, fulﬁllment and postal topics. Carolyn deﬁnes clear expectations and she understands and conveys PS’ mission with authentic communication and care.
Carolyn is from Randolph, New Jersey and she telecommutes full-time from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Carolyn enjoys spending time with her three kids, Crossﬁt, volunteering in her kids’ Cub Scout Pack and swooning over Mid-Century modern architecture and furnishings.


Caregivers provide physical, emotional, and often financial support to the individual requiring assistance due to illness, injury, disability, or frailness. Informal caregiving is vital to consumers remaining in the least restrictive setting. The geriatric population often has an increased need for assistance related to chronic conditions or functional decline. Providers interacting with older adults will want to understand the natural supports the person has or can mobilize. Download the corresponding assessment sheet as a Word or PDF document to track your progress.
Domain 5: Caregiving
Date: April 12, 2016
Time to read: less than a 1 minute.


Posted on: 30 March 2022
Whether you're craving more privacy or you want to keep the sun out, outdoor blinds can go a long way toward improving your home. Once you're set on the idea of installing some, it's wise to know what your options are. Here are some that are worth considering.
Shutter
Outdoor shutters usually have a traditional appearance. They're ideal if you're aiming for a charming aesthetic. Although wood was once a popular option, it isn't always a long-lasting one. Instead, you might want to choose uPVC. They're less likely to degrade over time, and during the winter uPVC's thermal properties mean it can stop the warmth of your heaters from escaping. They're also easier to clean, which means less maintenance for you.
Roller Blinds
Roller blinds are ideal for outdoor spaces where you want to stop some of the sun from filtering through, but not all of it. For example, your patio or veranda. By pulling the blinds down partway, you can prevent the glare of the sun from catching your eyes without losing the light entirely. For ease of use, look into electric roller blinds. They're less intensive to operate and you'll find them easy to put away after a day sitting outside.
Waterproof
If you don't relish the idea of managing mould and bacteria, waterproof blinds are the way forward. This is particularly important if you live in a humid area, where mould is more likely to occur. When humidity occurs and affects porous surfaces, it generates ideal conditions for mould to grow. By installing waterproof blinds, you can protect your window ledges from mould when you close them. Waterproof outdoor blinds are also useful when your window ledges are made from wood, as protecting them from water can stop them from gradually falling into a state of disrepair.
UV Absorbing
Adding UV absorbing blinds to the outside of your home allows you to get the best of both worlds. They don't block the sun out entirely and still allow some light to stream through. As a result, you enjoy the aesthetic perks of natural light filling up your home. However, they do filter out UV light, so anyone who is sitting near a window isn't likely to encounter burns as a result. This can be particularly useful when you have young children who play near the windows.
Consult with a professional to learn more about your options for outdoor blinds.
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Central nucleation in the absence of disease does not affect contractile force production. Tibialis anterior muscles from wild type mice were treated with notexin to induce degeneration, followed by a period of 8 weeks for full muscle regeneration. Uninjected contralateral muscles served as controls. Muscles injured and regenerated for 8 weeks displayed similar histological parameters to the uninjured controls: proportions of type I and type II fibres
(a–d, g), and cross-sectional areas of fibres (e, f, h). However, regenerated muscles retained a large fraction of central nuclei, absent in controls (e, f, i). Despite this change, contractile force in skinned fibres was similar in both groups (j). WGA (wheat-germ agglutinin), CSA, cross-sectional area. Scale bars: a– d, 50 μm; e, f, 25 μm. Individual data points in g–i correspond to individual animals, and in j to individual fibres pooled from 4 animals. Graphs show mean ± S.D. *denotes a significant difference compared to the healthy group ( P < 0.05, t-test)


In a publication in Forktail co-authored with Dr. Moores from Birds Korea, we demonstrated that, contrary to the long-established invasive practices where birds are killed, first records of presence can be established through non-invasive methods. Here we reported the presence of a Chinese Leaf Warbler (
Phylloscopus yunnanensis) in the Republic of Korea through recordings of vocalisations.
We recorded and analysed a Chinese Leaf Warbler (
Phylloscopus yunnanensis) on Baekryeong Island, Incheon, Republic of Korea, on 1 and 2 May 2020. This was the first adequately-documented national record of the species. The calls and song of this species are diagnostic, and identification in the field based on these vocalisations was straightforward and immediate.
There is a strong prevalence in many regions of the world to place much higher value on records confirmed by photographs, specimens or in-the-hand measurements than on records documented only with sound-recordings.
To avoid invasive methods, we analysed the recordings to confirm the bird’s identity. While the origins of a preference for visual documentation are understandable, a wider acceptance of the value of sound-recordings in documenting the presence or absence of species will likely prove immensely helpful in improving the understanding of the distribution, abundance and conservation status of many taxa which are morphologically extremely similar.
You can read the article below. Clicking on this link represents a direct request to the authors for a copy of the article.


Abstract
By using a single host for both blue and orange phosphorescent dopants, a simple and efficient white organic light emitting-diode is reported. The dual-emissive-layer white device achieves a peak external quantum efficiency of 16.9 ± 0.9% and power efficiency of 44.1 ± 2.3 lm/W without out-coupling enhancement. Analysis of the device working mechanism determines that the blue dopant molecules can form a bridge to facilitate electron transport into the adjacent orange emitting-layer. The orange emission originates from both the direct electron trapping by the orange dopant and incomplete blue-orange energy transfer mechanisms. The origin of the voltage-dependent color shift of the device is quantitatively determined according to the working mechanism. Possible solution to reducing the color-shift is also provided based on the calculation and analytical results.
Keywords Charge transport Color-shift Phosphorescence White organic light-emitting diode ASJC Scopus subject areas Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials Chemistry(all) Biomaterials Condensed Matter Physics Electrical and Electronic Engineering Materials Chemistry


Therapies born out of the Hygiene Hypothesis--such as helminthic therapy and fecal bacteriotherapy--provide a compelling example of the FDA's institutional blindness. Unlike the traditional pharmaceutical model of treatment, therapies based in the Hygiene Hypothesis purport to resolve or alleviate conditions by reintroducing organisms once thought to be wholly negative. While questions of negative effects and safety remain in the former, they are largely absent in the latter. Nonetheless, the FDA has chosen to regulate the use of both helminthic therapy and fecal bacteriotherapy. Such restriction of doctor-patient autonomy in the name of efficacy is costly and unethical.


In collaboration with Showtime Networks Inc, the Queer to Stay initiative focuses on businesses that are owned by, or support and empower, members of the LGBTQ+ community, women and people of colour.
It was initially started to help LGBTQ+ businesses make it through the pandemic, and in an attempt to prevent the decline of LGBTQ+ spaces across America.
In its first year, the initiative was able to support 10 LGBTQ+ businesses with a grant, which was doubled to 20 in 2021.
Now, in 2022, Queer to Stay’s budget has been increased to $250,000, which is going to be distributed between at least 25 LGBTQ+ businesses.
“It is absolutely remarkable that we are about to kick-off our third year of the ‘Queer to Stay’ initiative,” said Joni Madison, Human Rights Campaign Interim President.
“What an incredible opportunity to support LGBTQ+ businesses and recognize their impact in communities across the country. Creating and cultivating spaces for the LGBTQ+ community requires all of us and this continued partnership with Showtime is a three-time example of a company putting the rubber to the road to uplift the LGBTQ+ community during these challenging times.”
This brilliant support scheme will enable LGBTQ+ businesses to stay open under the remaining pressures of the Covid-19 pandemic, and gentrification. The application process for 2022 closes at 11:59pm on August 31 2022, and can be found on the HRC website.
Inspired to act? DONATE: Donate to charities like Stonewall who advocate for LGBTQ+ people. GET INVOLVED: Support the Human Rights Campaign by showing up to community events.


Recognizing the critical role of the financial industry in developing resilient growth, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas responded to the global COVID-19 pandemic by facilitating environmentally and socially responsible business models through a Sustainable Finance Framework. Governor Benjamin E. Diokno shares important learnings about how this has changed the way the central bank implements policies for future disasters.
In October 2018, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) adopted a policy that provided temporary relief measures to banks affected by natural calamities. This was formalized with the issuance of its Policy Framework on the Grant of Regulatory Relief to Banks/Quasi-Banks Affected by Calamities. The framework provides regulatory relief to financial institutions affected by natural disasters to assist in their recovery and restart of operations.
The same baseline relief measures were activated when the COVID-19 pandemic put to test the strength and resiliency of the Philippine financial system in March 2020. BSP promptly responded by deploying a calibrated mix of monetary policy instruments and supervisory tools to assist the financial system and the economy.
Considering the disruptive impact of lockdowns and quarantine protocols on borrowers’ operations and cash flows, as well as on banking operations and services, BSP issued additional regulatory and operational relief measures to assist BSP-supervised Financial Institutions (BSFIs) in their operations and support households and businesses during the health crisis. These measures provide incentives to BSFIs to extend financial relief to their borrowers, incentivize bank lending, promote continued access to credit/ financial services. The measures also support the level of domestic liquidity through continued delivery of financial services that enable consumers to complete financial transactions during the lockdown periods.
Despite the challenges financial sector was facing during the pandemic, this was an opportune time for BSP to issue its Sustainable Finance Framework as financial institutions review and reassess their business strategies. The Sustainable Finance Framework provides principles-based expectations in identifying, assessing, and managing environmental and social risk exposures. The framework is aimed at enabling banks to adopt policies suited to their operations.
BSP found that environmental and social risks arising from the health crisis offered a glimpse of how severe and long-lasting other, potentially systemic risks, such as climate change, could drag the banks’ performance and long-term growth. For instance, the inevitable shift of the economy towards minimal or contactless payment systems and processes (often digital) to minimize disease transmission resulted in losses and shutdowns in many businesses that rely heavily on face-to-face transactions or service delivery. BSP expects that the environmental and social risk management systems of banks would allow them to effectively respond to future similar threats, including climate change.
Key challenges
The lack of a “green” definition through a taxonomy and limited awareness on the risk-return profiles of green projects or investments are some of the main challenges in ushering funds towards climate adaptation and mitigation activities.
BSP believes that these challenges may be addressed by taking a whole-of-government approach. In this regard, BSP, in collaboration with key government agencies that are in the frontlines of climate action, committed to develop a harmonized and cohesive approach towards promoting green or sustainable finance. The inter-agency collaboration called the “Green Force” is working on a Sustainable Finance Roadmap for the
country and the principles-based taxonomy which will provide guidance on identifying economic activities that contributes to sustainable development.
Building sustainable solutions
While the financial sector’s sustainability journey is still at the nascent stage, the central bank has made a strategic move by adopting the Sustainable Central Banking (SCB) Program. The program is aimed at championing sustainability in the financial system by fostering environmentally responsible and sustainable policies and work practices within BSP.
Complementary to the SCB Program BSP launched its Digital Payments Transformation Roadmap (DPTR) in 2020 to broaden the use of digital payment platforms while ensuring that it is supported by robust infrastructures that are in line with internationally recognized standards. The end goal of the DPTR Roadmap is to create an efficient, inclusive, safe, and secure digital payments ecosystem that supports the diverse needs and capabilities of individuals and firms, towards the achievement of BSP’s mandates. It is anchored in three pillars:
While the potential of this initiative to offer solutions in addressing climate concerns is yet to be explored, it already sets a strong backdrop for more climate-related developments and innovations to take place in line with BSP’s sustainability approach. The promotion of digital banking in the country is one of the key initiatives of the DPTR.
The country’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), which aims to reduce its projected carbon emissions by 75 percent by the Year 2030, provides a clearer direction and a greater impetus for BSP and the government to work together on building resilience and mitigating climate change that ensures sustainable development for the Filipinos. The NDC considers the Sustainable Finance Framework, which emphasizes the BSP’s vital role in steering the financial system towards aligning with the transformative policies and measures of the country and move along the pathway to a low-carbon economy.
The Inclusive Green Finance workstream is part of the International Climate Initiative (IKI), supported by the German Federal Ministry of the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU), based on a decision by the German Bundestag.


PSAD: Post Service Adjustment Disorder A Different Perspective on Why a Veteran Falls Apart Daniel E. Valdez
Archway, Bloomington, Indiana, 2018, 114 pages
Book Review published on: April 19, 2019
Daniel E. Valdez, a veteran marine, shares his story along with the testimony of other veterans about the difficulties he encountered after leaving active duty service. Valdez premises his book,
PSAD: Post Service Adjustment Disorder, A Different Perspective on Why a Veteran Falls Apart, by stating his theory of post service adjustment disorder (PSAD) is in the infancy stage, but that he was a victim of the disorder.
The book begins by describing basic military culture from a Marine Corps’ point of view. With this explanation comes some explicit examples of enlisted military language and behavior that civilians may find offensive or difficult to understand. Valdez highlights this behavior to demonstrate how the military culture is unique from the civilian lifestyle, and how military personnel readying themselves to leave active duty for civilian life do not realize the drastic changes they will encounter.
Valdez spends the rest of the book describing PSAD symptoms and how it occurs as a veteran immerses himself or herself in the civilian world. He highlights some pertinent factors that can contribute to PSAD. One such factor is financial management. Valdez points out that basic necessities such as shelter and food are provided to enlisted military members during their term of service. However, the reality in the civilian world is that most finances are expended for basic necessities. Many veterans find themselves unprepared, as budgeting may not have been a priority during their military term of service. Another catalyst for PSAD is how a veteran may have trouble relating to civilians, who may not understand how a veteran acts, speaks, or makes decisions due to their unfamiliarity with military culture. As a result, some veterans are unable to adjust to civilian expectations, which can lead to isolation.
Perhaps the most poignant example the author provides of this potentially devastating illness is the testimony of a mother who lost her son to suicide. She believes that Valdez’s theory has merit due to the unique aspects of PSAD, which accurately described symptoms her son exhibited after leaving active duty service.
Due to the extreme statistics of veteran suicides over the last fifteen years, Valdez argues that common disorders such as posttraumatic stress, adjustment disorder, bipolar disorder, and social phobia may not accurately capture the symptoms of PSAD or address this disturbing malady. Valdez emphasizes that PSAD affects both combat and noncombat veterans. The major premise of Valdez’s book is that veterans are ill prepared to adjust to the civilian world, and even though agencies like the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs are doing critical work with combat veterans, PSAD is something that has not been properly researched and thus remains largely unaddressed.
I recommend
Post Service Adjustment Disorder because Valdez highlights a unique disorder that can potentially affect every service member regardless of branch or combat experience and could be a contributing factor to the high suicide rates among veterans since 9/11. If changes within the Department of Defense and outside agencies could better prepare veterans for transition and mitigate the onset of PSAD—and ultimately suicide rates—then Valdez’s theory deserves to be investigated.
Book Review written by: Gregory P. Bedrosian, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas


[195 Pages Report] The Global Automotive 3D Printing market accounted for a market value of USD billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a high CAGR of over 23.5% during the forecast period (2022-2029).
Automotive 3D printing technology also known as additive manufacturing is used to produce prototypes and high-speed manufacturing practices. Automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and suppliers primarily use this technology use in product innovation and direct manufacturing in the future.
Market CAGR 23.5% Segments Covered By Material Type, By End-User, and By Region Report Insights Covered Competitive Landscape Analysis, Company Profile Analysis, Market Size, Share, Growth, Demand, Recent Developments, Mergers and acquisitions, New Product Launches, Growth Strategies, Revenue Analysis, and Other vital insights. Fastest Growing Region Asia Pacific Largest Market Share North America
Increasing demand for rapid prototypes and cost-effective manufacturing of automotive parts is driving the automotive 3D printing market in recent years.
Flexibility in printed automotive parts with low wastage is another advantage that drives the 3D printing market in the automotive industry globally.
The high cost of printing technologies is leading to pricing concerns for manufactured parts, which is restraining the market. However, increasing techniques that use cost-effective procedures and materials will eliminate this restraint in the coming years.
The automotive 3D printing market is segmented based on material type and end-user type.
By material, the market is segmented into polymers, metals, and others.
Polymers are accounted for a significant market share, as it is used traditionally in the industry. Metal-based printing is gaining momentum in recent years associated with improvements in technology.
By end-user, the market is segmented into OEM and suppliers. Suppliers account for a significant share globally as they supply various mass-produced automotive parts and prototypes to OEMs. OEMs are increasingly utilizing 3D printers for the in-house production of automotive parts for multiple applications such as for R&D and prototypes.
By geography, the market is segmented into the Americas, the Asia Pacific and Europe, and the rest of the world. Americas accounted for a significant share in the market with increasing investments in automotive 3D printing.
The other regions are expected to show strong growth with the growing adoption of 3D printing.
The automotive 3D printing market is highly consolidated with notable players such as Stratasys and 3D Systems. Key players in the industry are developing new technologies and materials in 3D printing to be competitive in the market.
Trending Topics What is the Growth Rate of the Automotive 3D Printing market?
Grow at a high CAGR of over 23.5% during the forecast period (2022-2029).
Which Material is Segmented by the Automotive 3D Printing market?
polymers, metals, and others.
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Preventive Measures
Practice good hygiene and observe preventive protocols to keep yourself, and those around you, healthy.
Stay home if you are sick. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If water is not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands. Limit close contact, like kissing and sharing cups or utensils, with people who are sick. Cover your mouth and nose with your elbow or a tissue when coughing or sneezing, and immediately dispose of the used tissue.
Always wash your hands:
Before, during and after preparing food. Before eating food. Before and after caring for someone who is sick. Before and after treating a cut or wound. After using the toilet. After contact with high touch surfaces (e.g., elevators, lobby areas, reception desks, etc.). After blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. After removing gloves or other personal protective equipment. After touching an animal or animal waste. After touching garbage.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.


Turkish-Russian relations have a long history with complex dimensions attracting scholarly investigations from various disciplines. Indeed, the relations between the two countries require multidisciplinary academic endeavors to fully grasp their complicated character. Studying this complex relationship in a multidisciplinary way can potentially help unearth underrealized cooperative spaces that might diminish confrontational areas in their relationship.
Turkish-Russian Relations: Prospects and Challenges, edited by Natalya Ketenci and Gökçe Bayındır Goularas, promises such a payoff by bringing together contributors from multidisciplinary backgrounds. Moreover, the book appears timely, as many readers are currently interested in better understanding Turkish-Russian relations. The book aims to analyze these relations from different perspectives to better comprehend their potentially cooperative aspect. Turkish-Russian Relations consists of eight chapters and is thematically divided into two parts. In the first, the geopolitical aspects of Turkish-Russian relations come under study, while the second deals with economic aspects. In the first chapter, Deniz Tansi evaluates bilateral relations between Russia and Türkiye in the context of the Middle East after the Cold War. After presenting the key events in the relations, the chapter concludes that relations between two countries have a multilateral character, as they involve multiple states and various regional relations. However, the general superficiality of the chapter leaves certain foreign policy events unanalyzed, such as the S-400 crisis and the Syrian civil war. As an additional weakness of the chapter, this superficiality is accompanied by some semantic confusions within the text, such as in the question “Why Turkish-U.S. alliance began with the Middle East, was Truman’s speech significant in history?” [sic] (p. 6).
In the second chapter, Natalya Ketenci questions the importance of nuclear energy for Türkiye and investigates how Türkiye might benefit from the Russian experience in nuclear energy. Despite the disadvantages of nuclear energy, such as nuclear waste and accidents like Chornobyl, the chapter argues that it is the most appropriate alternative for producing electricity in Türkiye due to its sustainability and ecological friendliness. After concluding that Türkiye may benefit from Russia’s experience in developing nuclear energy, the chapter explores the agreement that led to the building of the Akkuyu nuclear power plant, which includes the exchange of personnel between the two countries, as an important step. However, the question of how Russia has dealt with the disadvantages of developing nuclear power is left unanalyzed.
Evaluating the relations between the two countries during the first years of the Cold War in the third chapter Melih Görgün and Hakan Sezgin Erkan divide Turkish-Russian relations into three historical periods. Starting with the 17th century and lasting until 1917, the first period is characterized by hostile relations and wars, while the era between 1917-1945 was relatively friendly. According to the authors of this chapter, what makes the third period of the relations (1945-1952) a turning point is the return to hostility; this argument is substantiated by realist concepts of power and the Soviet Union’s desire for maximum power. This third era, the chapter highlights, started with the termination of the Treaty of Friendship, which eventually led Türkiye to the Western alliance.
In the fourth chapter, Çağrı Levent Uslu divides relations between Russia and Türkiye into just two eras: geopolitical competition and economic cooperation. The geopolitical competition era corresponds to the pre-Cold War period, with the exception of the period of Türkiye’s War of Independence, while economic cooperation characterizes the postCold War era. After defining the general character of the relations as competitive, the chapter questions the potential and limits of economic relations for the two states’ regional power status. The main conclusion of this chapter is that all the ups and downs in the relations limit the potential of economic cooperation, especially in the two countries trade relations. Methodologically, the chapter depends on the gravity model of international trade to estimate the potential trade volume between the two states. Then, instead of applying the model to the Turkish-Russian trade volume data, the chapter tries to predict potential trade by looking at previous calculations made by the model, which is not satisfactory in terms of the validity of the analysis.
In the fifth chapter Ayşe Sevencan aims to analyze the dynamics of bilateral trade between Russia and Türkiye after the Cold War. After evaluating the trade volume in goods and services separately, the chapter concludes that geopolitical proximity is an important advantage for economic relations and sees the construction industry as an area of common cooperation in trade for both states. In the sixth chapter, Nihan Kocaman and Işıl Zeynep Turkan İpek ask, unclearly, “How the Turkish press media frame Turkish-Russian relations after between 2015 and 2018? [sic]” (p. 48). The chapter aims to conduct a content analysis of four Turkish newspapers by focusing solely on these newspapers’ headlines and front pages. By looking at certain key foreign policy events, the chapter concludes that the pro-government media only releases news that can positively affect relations. However, just as in the fourth chapter, this chapter is not immune from methodological criticisms, especially in terms of conducting the content analysis method.
In the seventh chapter, Ayşe Betül Nuhoğlu and Gökçe Bayındır Goularas present an overview of the migration flows between the two states through a historical approach. Arguing that the main cause of migration flows between the two states is political crises and wars, the chapter highlights these flows’ bidirectional character and predicts that upcoming flows are possible.
In the last chapter, Alper Altınanahtar aims to analyze and compare the suicide rates of Turkish and Russian citizens. For the author of this chapter, low suicide rates in Türkiye are attributable to Türkiye’s strong family ties and religious beliefs. In contrast, the factors behind Russia’s high suicide rates are heavy alcohol consumption, asocial behaviors, and “societal modernization” (p. 79). However, the process of societal modernization and its correlations with suicide among Russian citizens are left unexplained. In conclusion, the chapter posits that the Muslim faith is a factor that diminishes suicidal attempts compared to Christianity (p. 80). Although the stated aim of the study highlighted in the chapter is to determine the factors behind the two countries’ suicide rates, it pays little attention to this aim and fails to deeply investigate it.
In conclusion, although the book promises an exciting contribution to the literature on Turkish-Russian relations, it remains inadequate in fulfilling its aims due to the chapters’ brevity, the shallowness of the analyses, and the general lack of academic rigor. Although it aims to present “the most popular areas of cooperation of Turkish-Russian relations” (p. 88), some chapters, such as chapter 8, fail to do so altogether. The lacuna that the book promises to fill, which is the need to focus on mostly ignored dimensions of relations between Russia and Türkiye, would have attracted many scholars in different fields if the content had been handled neatly. Instead,
Turkish-Russian Relations: Prospects and Challenges constitutes a missed opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the literature on this topic.


- MENA Markets slide along with oil
- Qatar Crisis: The Unfolding Geopolitical Dynamics of the GCC
Assistant Undersecretary for Statistical Affairs Sector, Kuwait Central Statistical Bureau (CSB)
A striking feature of success in most of these companies profiled is the endeavor to customize products or services for users....
The traditional payment model ropes in a third party, trusted by everybody, to be involved in a transaction. Blockchain puts that model to a test by eliminating the centralized system and replacing it with a system that is widely distributed and secured by cryptography...
Petrochemicals have been one of the major focus areas of the Government of Saudi Arabia in the past few decades for several reasons...
Given the reach of disruptive potential and the reach of AI, it could arrive at GCC shores before long...
One of the obvious implications of a potential intelligence explosion is that there would be an overwhelming first-mover advantage. In other words, whoever gets there first will be effectively uncatchable.
M R Raghu,
Managing Director, Marmore MENA Intelligence
GCC Stock & Debt Market
- GCC Corporate Earnings
- The What of VAT
- 30 Most Valuable Non-Banking Companies in GCC
The Innovators
M R Raghu,
Managing Director, Marmore MENA Intelligence
MENA Market mixed post-Brexit, as oil stabilizes around $50/barrel
Managing the Big Float
- GCC Sovereign Debt Issuances - $260 - $400 billion through 2020
- Kuwait Projects: KWD 10bn Awarded - Where is the trickle-down effect
- GCC Regulatory Digest - H1 2016


Baton Rouge, LA – NCCI recently released a Court Case Update Retrospective: 2018-2021. In 2018, NCCI’s Legal Division began providing reports on workers compensation (WC)-related cases that could impact and shape the future of the industry.
To date, the division has reported on nearly 200 cases and decisions addressing important topics such as exclusive remedy, marijuana, air ambulance reimbursement, challenges to the use of third-party guides, and most recently, COVID-19.
The new retrospective report provides a breakdown of the WC-related topics that courts have addressed in those nearly 200 cases, and an overview of the cases reported on in 2021, including:
COVID-19 To date, NCCI has reported on 22 COVID-19-related cases in 11 states, including CA, DE, FL, IA, IL, KS, MS, NY, OH, PA, and TX. Exclusive remedy To date, NCCI has reported on 27 exclusive remedy cases, decided by courts across 18 states, including: AR, CA, CO, FL, ID, IL, KY, LA, MN, MO, MT, NV, OK, PA, SC, TX, VA, and WI. Marijuana Since 2018, NCCI has reported on 29 marijuana-related cases, with varying outcomes across 16 states: AR, AZ, CT, DE, FL, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NJ, NY, OK, PA, and VT. Air ambulance reimbursement Since 2018, NCCI has reported on 8 air ambulance cases decided by federal and state courts in 6 states, including CO, FL, KS, TN, TX, and WV. Challenges to the use of third-party guides To date, NCCI has reported on 11 cases addressing challenges to third-party guides in states such as CO, KS, MT, OK, PA, TX, and UT. Attorney Fees Since 2018, NCCI has reported on 13 attorney fees cases that have been decided by courts in 9 states, including AL, AK, AR, FL, MD, NE, PA, UT, and WV. Additional State and Federal Developments For nearly 4 years, NCCI has reported on 97 cases from a wide variety of states where courts have considered issues surrounding compensability, impacts on benefits, and other topics such as subrogation, independent contractors, or traveling employees.
The full Court Case Update Retrospective has information on each of the nearly 200 work comp related cases and decisions.
Source: NCCI


Despite reported challenges encountered by nurses who provide palliative care to children, few researchers have examined this phenomenon from the perspective of nurses who care for children with life-threatening illnesses in pediatric intensive care units.
To describe and interpret the essence of the experiences of nurses in pediatric intensive care units who provide palliative care to children with life-threatening illnesses and the children’s families.
A hermeneutic phenomenological study was conducted with 12 pediatric intensive care unit nurses in the northeastern United States. Face-to-face interviews and field notes were used to illuminate the experiences.
Five major themes were detected: journey to death; a lifelong burden; and challenges delivering care, maintaining self, and crossing boundaries. These themes were illuminated by 12 subthemes: the emotional impact of the dying child, the emotional impact of the child’s death, concurrent grieving, creating a peaceful ending, parental burden of care, maintaining hope for the family, pain, unclear communication by physicians, need to hear the voice of the child, remaining respectful of parental wishes, collegial camaraderie and support, and personal support.
Providing palliative care to children with life-threatening illnesses was complex for the nurses. Findings revealed sometimes challenging intricacies involved in caring for dying children and the children’s families. However, the nurses voiced professional satisfaction in providing palliative care and in support from colleagues. Although the nurses reported collegial camaraderie, future research is needed to identify additional supportive resources that may help staff process and cope with death and dying.


The high school movement, an early 20
th century American grassroots shift in secondary education, produced “a spectacular educational transformation,” according to Harvard economists Claudia Goldin and Lawrence Katz. Between 1910 and 1940, 18-year-old enrollment grew from 19% to 71%, and graduation rates rose from 9% to more than 50%, boosting the country to the forefront of educational achievement in the world. This unparalleled expansion of publicly funded, broadly accessible secondary schools was provoked by the transformation of American society resulting from turn-of-the-century urbanization and industrialization.
Today, America is again experiencing rapid economic, social, and cultural change. It’s time to respond to these challenges by embracing a 21
st century high school movement, led by what I call evasive civic entrepreneurs. These entrepreneurs are using local organizations, enterprises, and other resources to create a new opportunity program for young people that prepares them to live, work, and compete as responsible citizens in today’s economy. This “career pathways” approach integrates schools and students with local employers and work, going far beyond the current K–12 system that is disconnected from employers, work, and careers.
This approach exemplifies what Robert Bellah described as one understanding of American politics: local civic engagement supporting collective action for the common good. It also fosters opportunity pluralism, promoting alternatives to the “college degree for all” mindset that characterizes much of K–12 education today.
A New Opportunity Program
Today, many believe a college degree is the key pathway to a prosperous life, producing what the political philosopher Michael Sandel calls “credentialist prejudice.” The result is a degree that becomes “a precondition for dignified work and social esteem … fueling prejudice against less educated members of society.” The K–12 mantra is “college for all.” This view sidesteps two facts: nearly two-thirds (65%) of the U.S. labor force don’t have college degrees, and there are many good middle-skill jobs for individuals with a high school education.
The career pathways approach replaces “college for all” with a broader understanding of opportunity, without abandoning the college degree option. This approach creates more specialized, skills-based pathways and credentials linked to labor market demand. This would allow the nation’s opportunity infrastructure to become more pluralistic, offering multiple recognized and credentialed pathways to success.
The essential elements of a new opportunity program are
what students know (knowledge) and whom they know (relationships). The goal is to ensure that every American—especially those in K–12 schools—regardless of background or current condition, has multiple pathways to acquiring the knowledge and networks needed for jobs and careers, preparing them to access opportunity and a flourishing life.
In short,
Knowledge + Networks = Opportunity.
This opportunity program differs sharply from the vocational education of old that placed students into tracks with defined occupational destinations. That sorting process carried with it racial, ethnic, and social-class biases: immigrant students, low-income students, and students of color typically were enrolled in low-level academic and vocational training while middle- and upper-class white students enrolled in academic, college-preparatory classes.
An Opportunity Program Design
Five features should guide program design when creating a pathways success infrastructure.
Academic and Technical Skills and Credentials. Programs teach academic and technical skills aligned with labor market needs, ensuring that graduates meet employer demands. There’s a timeline for program completion, and at completion, participants receive a recognized credential, tied to a good job. Work and Careers. Exposure to and exploration of work and careers begin early with guest speakers and field trips. High school includes career experience via work placement and mentorships, integrated into classroom instruction. Exposure, exploration, and experience connect students with adults, especially students in high-poverty communities. Advising. An effective advising system prevents forced tracking into jobs based on race, ethnicity, gender, or social class. This ensures that students make informed choices, barriers like financial assistance are addressed, and data are used to keep students progressing through the program. With good advising, students become confident and knowledgeable enough to make their own choices about the correct pathway. Authentic Partnerships. Employers, industry groups, and other institutions collaborate for programs to succeed. Written agreements define who is responsible for what and formalize a management and governance structure—a civic partnership—between partners. Supporting Policies. Local, state, and federal policies create frameworks and funding streams for program development. Opportunity Pluralism
University of Texas law professor Joseph Fishkin writes about how individuals access opportunity, including how the job credentialing process contains bottlenecks that constrain opportunity. He argues for opportunity pluralism, or offering individuals multiple education, training, and credentialing pathways to work and career, including the college degree. Instead of struggling to equalize opportunity on a single pathway, opportunity should be broadened and deepened, making the nation’s opportunity infrastructure pluralistic, valuing both educational and employment outcomes.
An opportunity program is not about discouraging young people from pursuing a college degree. Rather, it positions a variety of options as valued credentials that recognize the ways that knowledge, networks, skills, and experience lead to good jobs and a fulfilled life. This same principle—that a wider array of options is better for students and society—supports the idea of colleges separating, or “unbundling,” the four-year degree into multiple certificates or credentials.
These building blocks, or stackable credentials, would be acquired while working and learning through a career progression toward the typical associate’s or bachelor’s degrees. David Osborne of
Reinventing Government fame has proposed individual “career opportunity accounts” as a way to pay for this approach. This would combine federal and state dollars and potentially include individual contributions like individual retirement accounts.
These pathways programs that help young people acquire knowledge, networks, skills, and experience also develop an occupational identity and vocational self, including a broader sense of who they are as adults. They also foster local civic engagement, and they provide faster and cheaper pathways to jobs and careers than traditional postsecondary education. Finally, they place students on a trajectory to economic and social well-being, informed citizenship, and civic responsibility, laying a foundation for adult success and a lifetime of opportunity.


SALT LAKE CITY – Today, Utah Attorney General Sean D. Reyes joined a bipartisan, nationwide coalition of attorneys general in two amicus briefs defending affordable drug prices before the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit and District of Columbia.
The brief defends the actions of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in cases filed by Sanofi SA, Novartis Pharmaceutics, United Therapeutics Corp and NovoNordisk. The pharmaceutical giants have refused to comply or unilaterally adopted unlawful restrictions on the 340B Program requiring discounted drug pricing for community health centers, clinics, and institutions serving low-income and underserved patient populations. The 340B Drug Pricing Program was adopted by Congress in 1992 and had strong bipartisan support.
The drug companies challenged violation orders issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The bipartisan, multistate coalition argues that HHS’s actions were lawful and necessary in their amicus briefs.
“For nearly two years…drug manufacturers participating in the 340B Program of the Public Services Act, 42 U.S.C. § 256b (“340B Program”), have flouted their statutory obligation to offer safety-net providers 340B-discounted prices on critical prescription drugs. These drug manufacturers have either limited 340B-covered entities to using a single retail community pharmacy (contract pharmacy), or condition the use of multiple contract pharmacies on intrusive audits of healthcare providers’ confidential, proprietary claims data. Drug manufacturers allege that imposing conditions that restrict the use of contract pharmacies is appropriate because the term “pharmacy” is not in the text of the 340B statute and that such conditions are necessary to prevent drug diversion and duplicate reimbursement claims. But permitting manufacturers to change the 340B Program unilaterally is in direct contravention of the statute and policies long pursued by Congress and advanced by the States,” the states argue.
The bipartisan coalition of attorneys general led by Connecticut previously urged HHS to hold drugmakers accountable for their unlawful actions imperiling access to affordable prescriptions for low-income patients.
The amicus brief was led by Connecticut Attorney General Tong and signed by the attorneys general of Arkansas, Connecticut, Colorado, District of Columbia, Delaware, Illinois, Hawaii, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Vermont.


A process-based, spatially distributed hydrological and thermal Water Balance Simulation Model (at 10 m spatial resolution) was applied to model the Crea Creek watershed. The impacts of documented seasonal climate extremes and Lake Water Withdrawals (LWW) were evaluated on seasonal runoff, including minimum 7-day mean flow (MQ7), the recovery time of MQ7 to pre-perturbation conditions, and the duration of streamflow conditions that prevents fish passage.
The Arctic Coastal Plain of the North Slope of Alaska experienced extreme climate events and increased LWWs for infrastructure construction, primarily ice roads and industrial operations. However, their potential combined effects on streamflow remained underexplored.
Under current average climatic conditions, LWWs are not offset by same-year snowmelt as currently assumed in land management regulations. Effective land management would benefit from considering the combined impact of climate change and industrial LWWs.


As spiritual practitioners, we commit ourselves to practices, lifestyle choices, and courses of study that facilitate the growth of our interior being. There are, of course, incredible benefits to our spiritual practices, particularly meditation. This practice on its own has the power to improve our day-to-day well-being simply by allowing us to be more present. However, many wisdom traditions rely…
A Higher Self coach is your guide and your teacher on the road of life. Think of your coach as a “triple-A” for life… wherever you are in your journey, a coach can meet you where you are, get you unstuck, and help you continue moving forward. A coach can help you with both spiritual and practical problems. This is…


Storytelling is an essential part of a child’s early development. This article provides insight into how to use storytelling with your kids and why it’s so important for their emotional and cognitive growth.
Life skills are behaviours that enable individuals to adapt and deal effectively with the demands and challenges of life. At NutSpace we focus on building these skills along with other literacy skills.


Social Philosophy and Policy25 (1):214-236 (2008) AbstractThis essay first distinguishes different questions regarding moral objectivity and relativism and then sketches a broadly Kantian position on two of these questions. First, how, if at all, can we derive, justify, or support specific moral principles and judgments from more basic moral standards and values? Second, how, if at all, can the basic standards such as my broadly Kantian perspective, be defended? Regarding the first question, the broadly Kantian position is that from ideas in Kant's later formulations of the Categorical Imperative, especially human dignity and rational autonomous law-making, we can develop an appropriate moral perspective for identifying and supporting more specific principles. Both the deliberative perspective and the derivative principles can be viewed as “constructed,” but in different senses. In response to the second question, the essay examines two of Kant's strategies for defending his basic perspective and the important background of his arguments against previous moral theories. My notes Similar books and articles
Human Welfare and Moral Worth: Kantian Perspectives.Thomas E. Hill - 2002 - Oxford University Press.
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International Journal of Philosophical Studies17 (1):49 – 70. Analytics Added to PP
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Contemporary Political Theory11 (3):305-323. References found in this work
Political Liberalism by John Rawls. [REVIEW]Philip Pettit - 1994 -
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The Right and the Good.Some Problems in Ethics.W. D. Ross & H. W. B. Joseph - 1933 -
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In spite of their vital function, patient transfer centers have toiled in a technology desert for decades. Too often, transporters are saddled with archaic pagers while overwhelmed phone-based dispatchers juggle a never-ending barrage of calls. As care quality and patient satisfaction are put under the microscope, challenges related to patient transfers are receiving a second look, prompting innovative hospitals to zero in on a key part of the problem: communication.


There are many reasons to hire a professional basement organizer. Maybe your basement is cluttered and you can't seem to get it clean. Maybe you're moving and need help packing and organizing your belongings. Whatever the reason, a professional basement organizer can help you get your basement in order.
A professional organizer will help you declutter your space and get rid of anything you don't need. They will also help you organize your belongings so that you can find what you need when you need it. They can even help you pack your belongings if you're moving. A professional organizer can make your life easier and help you get your basement in order. If you're struggling to keep your basement clean and organized, consider hiring a professional to help you out.
A professional organizer can come to your home and assess your specific needs. They will then create a plan to help you declutter and organize your basement. They will also help you determine what to keep, what to donate, and what to throw away. They can also help you if you're moving. They can pack up your belongings and label everything so it's easy to find when you arrive at your new home. They can also help you unpack and get settled into your new home.
If you're not sure whether or not you need the help of an organizer, consider how much time you spend in your basement. If you're constantly looking for things or can't find what you need, it might be time to hire someone to help you get organized. A professional basement organizer can help you save time and frustration. Contact Ultimately Organized to schedule an appointment for your basement. We’ll come and create an organized system for you.
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Various medical malpractice claims result from a doctor’s failure to diagnose a patient correctly. Failure to diagnose a patient properly may be due to various factors, including overwork, under-rested doctors, or a lack of communication between different medical professionals. In addition, a doctor may miss certain signs or misdiagnose a patient as something completely different. In many cases, misdiagnosis leads to a wrong treatment or to adverse side effects. In such cases, the physician’s negligence can be held accountable for the resulting harm.
Although malpractice suits usually involve a practitioner, they can also be filed against medical manufacturers. Medical manufacturers may be liable for negligence of their employees, resulting in a personal or class action lawsuit. Another type of malpractice suit is the delayed diagnosis of a patient, wherein a patient has been diagnosed with a disease or condition after it has progressed to a fatal state. While delayed diagnosis suits are more common, they are still a potentially powerful legal strategy.
Another type of medical malpractice involves mistakes in medication. A doctor can mistakenly prescribe the wrong drug, administer it incorrectly, or miss a potentially harmful drug interaction. Medication errors are particularly common in hospitals, and can include misdiagnosis or improper dosage. Often, a doctor’s negligence is due to a lack of communication between medical professionals and nurses. In addition, healthcare providers may be negligent in verifying patient orders.
Surgical errors are among the most serious types of medical malpractice. While mistakes during surgery may not lead to death, they can result in permanent injuries and brain damage. Anesthesia mistakes can occur when a surgeon neglects to investigate a patient’s medical history or fails to inform the patient of the need for preoperative procedures. Some anesthesia errors result in improper intubation. This type of mistake can also be caused by inadequate monitoring equipment.
Obstetrical malpractice claims often result in birth injuries. During childbirth, a woman’s health is complicated and complex, and failure to recognize signs of fetal distress can result in brain damage, a spinal cord injury, or even cerebral palsy. A medical professional’s negligence during childbirth may also result in birth injuries such as a cephalohematoma. Medical malpractice claims involving misdiagnosis are a common form of medical malpractice.
Birth injuries are among the most devastating types of medical malpractice. Expecting parents spend many hours discussing their newborn’s life and their future. Unlike a baby, expectant parents cannot prepare for the birth injury caused by negligence. A negligent doctor’s failure to diagnose a baby may result in the death of both the mother and the child. This kind of negligent care is not always easy to avoid, but a lawsuit can be filed to recover compensation for a birth injury caused by medical negligence.


A SCM system is a software system that helps manage all aspects of the supply chain, from procurement to manufacturing to distribution. SCM systems can help improve efficiencies and optimize performance by reducing costs, improving asset utilization, and reducing transit times.
Despite its popularity, there is no single definition of SCM. This is not surprising given the diverse and often conflicting perspectives of the many practitioners and academics who use the term. However, there is general agreement that SCM encompasses the planning and management of all activities involved in procurement, production, and logistics, as well as the coordination and collaboration with suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers to deliver the finished product to the customer.
There are many different types of SCM systems, but all share the common goal of providing the right product, at the right time, and at the right price. The most popular SCM systems are enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, which are designed to integrate and streamline all of the business processes within an organization. Other popular SCM systems include warehouse management systems (WMS), transportation management systems (TMS), and supply chain planning (SCP) systems.
The benefits of implementing a SCM system are well-documented and include improved customer satisfaction, increased operational efficiency, reduced inventory levels, and improved cash flow. In addition, SCM systems can provide real-time visibility into the entire supply chain, which is essential for effective decision-making.
Despite the many benefits of SCM systems, there are also some challenges that need to be considered before implementing such a system. These challenges include the high cost of SCM software and hardware, the need for extensive training and support, and the potential for disruptions to the business if the system is not properly implemented.
This is the final post in my 8-part series covering the primer on the many areas of opportunity in the
Chicago Trucking logistics space. In the next set of posts, I'll be exploring the emerging technologies that can be adapted to logistics to bring firms fully into the 21st century.
Expect a response within 1-2 business days.


IMPACT-se founder, Dr. Yohanan Manor, revisits the Egyptian curriculum of the Mubarak era and puts it in historical perspective. The article convincingly demonstrates how years of under-the-radar official Islamist mass education (featuring jihad and anti-Christian teachings) thwarted a smooth transformation to democracy in Egypt. Instead, this curriculum led to political turmoil, coupled with violence against the country’s indigenous Coptic citizens. This research, published in the Middle East Quarterly, displays the critical role of education in shaping reality on the ground. Education and the attitudes of curricula toward others should be factored into any strategic analysis. Report (pdf, 333 kb)


Hepatic steatosis changes after early gastric cancer surgery
Ki Hyun Kim, Soyoung Ock, Dohyung Lee, Yoonhong Kim, Jihoon Jo, Kyungwon Seo, Kiyoung Yoon, Sukyoung Kwon, Youngsik Choi, Bukyung Kim
Kosin Med J. 2022;37(1):68-74. Published online March 28, 2022
DOI: https://doi.org/10.7180/kmj.22.008
Abstract
PDFPubReader ePub Crossref - TDM
Background Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease dramatically improves after bariatric surgery, primarily due to improvements in hepatic insulin sensitivity. Since the procedure for gastric cancer surgery is very similar to that for bariatric surgery, we investigated changes in fatty liver following gastrectomy for gastric cancer according to the type of surgery.
Methods We evaluated hepatic steatosis in 212 early gastric cancer patients using Hounsfield units (HUs) on non-contrast computed tomography preoperatively and 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery. We compared the preoperative and postoperative liver-to-spleen HU ratio according to the type of surgery: Billroth I, Billroth II, and total gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction.
Results The initial results (liver/spleen HUs and the liver-to-spleen HU ratio) did not significantly differ according to surgical group. After surgery, only patients who underwent total gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y exhibited significant changes in the liver-to-spleen HU ratio at 6 months. In 26 patients who had higher initial HU levels of the spleen than the liver, the liver-to-spleen HU ratio significantly increased from 0.836 to 1.115 at 6 months, 1.109 at 12 months, and 1.102 at 24 months (P<0.01).
Conclusion Significant changes in hepatic steatosis were found in even normal patients (with higher liver than spleen HU values) who underwent total gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y. Patients who initially had fatty liver also showed a significant increase in the liver-to-spleen HU ratio. These results suggest that total gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction can have a positive effect on the improvement of hepatic steatosis.


“Punching the clock” has long been a euphemism for “going to work,” since it comes from the practice of personnel “punching in” by sliding timecards into a mechanical device. Salaried employees may not need to “punch in and out,” but for hourly employees, it’s the only way to measure their time and ensure they are paid accordingly. However, older mechanical time clocks aren’t always accurate and are susceptible to “buddy punching.” Additionally, processing their time cards is a labor-intensive effort that can be prone to human error.
Today, organizations have far more—and more flexible—options regarding timekeeping. A digital time clock—physical or web-based—is a more efficient and user-friendly option. It sharply reduces effort and errors, streamlines recordkeeping, and supports a wider array of employee activities.
A New Era in Timekeeping
For digital timekeeping, employers have many options. Following are a few of our favorites:
Biometric Time Clocks
These are physical, electronic devices where each employee “clocks in” using a finger print, palm print, retina scan or vein scan. Such solutions eliminate time cards, prevent “buddy punching,” and assist with the access control necessary for companies in heavily regulated industries.
Time tracking through an online portal enhances flexibility for employers. Not only can personnel clock in from any location, but also employers and payroll companies like MarathonHR can easily access the information and/or make changes.
Mobile Time Clocks
Often integrated with a web-based timekeeping portal, mobile time clocks are similar in functionality to web-based systems, but they can also provide GPS coordinates to confirm work locations. Some include additional functions, such as vacation and/or sick leave management. Personnel access the interface through a mobile “app,” which is especially handy for employees who are often on the road or in the field without ready access to a PC.
Marathon offers its customers all three of these timekeeping options. Our web-based and mobile time clocks are integrated with MarathonHR’s payroll software, and client employees can easily “clock in and out” from our specialized web portal. Such a solution expedites payroll processing and eases the workload of accounting personnel.


Thermodynamic Background
Crystallization can occur due to the limited solubility of materials in a solvent. Many factors come into play (including temperature, solubility, concentration, etc.), but ultimately under the right conditions, many organic compounds will begin to form organized lattices, or crystals, which are a lower energy state than when dissolved in a supersaturated solution.
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Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal illness that affects pets worldwide. Generally, it is caused by mosquitoes that are infected with the worm parasite Dirofilaria immitis
, which causes severe lung disease, heart failure, and damage to most body organs.
So, can cats get heartworm? Yes, but since it's a lot simpler to shield cats from the infection than treating the condition, we recommend you partner with a professional veterinarian to choose the best preventative care for your feline friend.
While the condition is less common in cats than in dogs – with only 5-20% infected, cats have fewer treatment options and may experience severe effects. Moreover, the medication used to cure dogs with heartworm infections don't apply to cats, making prevention the primary option to protect your cat from heartworm infections.
You can also ensure your feline friend is safe from this fatal disease by understanding and being mindful of the causes and signs of heartworm disease. To provide insight, we will discuss the causes and transmission of heartworm disease in cats, as well as prevention measures and means of treatment.
Is It Common for Cats to Get Heartworm?
Studies have shown that around 15% of cats, whether they live indoors or outdoors, have been infected with heartworm disease. However, cats are more resistant to infections; therefore, a small percentage of infected cats develop adult heartworm infections, where only 1 to 3 worms can be present.
Most cat infections, like those caused by the feline immunodeficiency virus, don't seem to increase the chances of feline heartworm infections. The major cause of heartworm infection is through a mosquito bite which carries heartworm larvae. Even though the development of heartworm disease in cats follows the same pattern as that of dogs, cats have smaller hearts and blood vessels, allowing the infection more opportunity to cause greater damage to the cat's health.
What's more, cats are more reactive to heartworms than dogs, which causes lung inflammation – leading to poor blood oxygenation.
Can Cats Survive Heartworms?
Despite the name, heartworm infection in cats doesn't primarily attack the heart but the lungs. In some instances, cats can survive heartworm infections for a long time before it becomes fatal or succumbs to a second feline disorder. In very severe cases, there is potential it may become fatal.
Most cats have a strong immune response that can eliminate the parasites, but even if your cat can clear the parasite, signs commonly associated with the disease might still be present. In most cats infected by mosquitoes, the heartworm larvae may mature and move – leading to numerous overt signs. So, heartworm prevention for cats is as important as treatment.
Do Cats Need Heartworm Treatment?
As mentioned earlier, cats are less likely to be infected by heartworms, and some infections might resolve on their own. But if your cat has developed heartworm disease, it means that their health is at risk, so it's important to seek monthly heartworm prevention to avoid new infections from developing if your cat gets infected by a mosquito again.
Heartworm in cats can be severe in some cases and damage the respiratory system. The infections can also affect your cat's immune system, leading to symptoms like:
Coughing Wheezing reathing problems
In severe cases, the worms can migrate to other areas in the body, like the brain, eyes, and spinal cord.
How Can I Prevent Heartworms from Infecting My Cat?
The good news is that it's pretty simple to prevent heartworm in cats. You can administer plenty of safe, efficient, and simple heartworm preventives to keep your cat safe and free from heartworms. These medications are generally affordable and available in either oral or topical form. It's recommended to administer these heartworm preventive medications year-round, whether your cat stays indoors or outdoors, especially if they live outdoors or in areas where the disease is more common, like in places where mosquitoes are highly present.
As one tip, consult your veterinarian to determine the best heartworm medication available for your cat. While the most ideal and effective way to protect your cat from an infected mosquito and other health-threatening parasites and elements is to keep them indoors, this alone is not enough to protect them from heartworms.
Heartworms are one of the most serious diseases affecting pet health, so you should arm them with heartworm preventative medication and constantly check for any tell-tale signs. Just taking a proactive approach can keep your cat safe from heartworms and other diseases.
Is There Any Treatment for Cat Heartworm?
Unfortunately, no drug is yet to be approved for treating cats with heartworms. Once the diagnosis is made, your veterinarian will guide you on the best action to monitor your cat's health and the ideal medications. If the case is severe, like cases where the worms are excess in the heart and blood vessels, you might have to attempt surgery to remove them.
Also, one of the most effective drugs vets use to treat cats is similar to the one used in dogs, but it has some significant side effects. To worsen things, if the adult heartworms die during the treatment, they will move through the pulmonary arteries to the lungs, where they can cause sudden death to the cat. Hence, the dilemma when cats are infected with heartworms.
One of three choices will be made:
Treat the cat with a drug made for dogs.Although this drug is effective, it can present significant side effects in cats, like lung failure or death. As a result, this approach isn't recommended. Treat the symptoms and hope the cat can outlive the infection.Heartworms in cats can live for around two or three years, so several months of treatment are recommended. If the cat's health is serious, it will be treated with oxygen and cortisone to minimize the lung reaction. If necessary, drugs can be administered to eliminate fluid from the lungs (diuretics). But if the cat is stable, it will be treated with corticosteroids regularly or periodically. In most cats, this treatment minimizes the signs and improves their health. However, the chance of an acute crisis and death is always there. Surgically remove the heartworms.This is usually the most recommended treatment for cats with serious heartworm infections. A specialist must conduct the surgery to avoid complications. Studies show that around 40% of cats can die during or after this surgery, so surgical treatment is basically reserved for cats that suffer from severe heartworm disease. What Are Some of the Symptoms of Heartworm Disease in Cats?
Heartworm symptoms in cats are challenging to spot because many cats infected with heartworms are asymptomatic. In addition, cats with heartworm disease are often misdiagnosed because the signs are similar to those in cats with asthma- like coughing and labored breathing. Some cats might even lack clinical signs at first, which is why tell-tale signs of heartworm disease significantly vary in severity.
Most noticeable signs become visible after the adult heartworm suddenly dies and causes acute issues within the cat or when worms migrate abnormally, leading to tissue damage. Still, there are some tell-tale signs you should keep an eye out for to stay on the safe side:
Coughing Weight loss Labored breathing Reduced appetite Wheezing Vomiting
Considering the lack of present signs, it can seem impossible to tell whether your cat suffers from heartworm disease or not – which is why we recommend you take preventative measures.
Wrapping Up
Every cat is different, so you should work with your veterinarian to choose the best heartworm preventative care or treatment. Similarly, all preventative medications will differ, so you'll need to understand and follow the instructions to ensure you administer the medications correctly and protect your feline friend from further harm. Closely following the instructions is not only safe for your cat but you as well, especially if you're administering a topical product that can be spilt before, during or after administering the medicine.
Now that you know the risks and preventative measures, you can keep your feline friend safe and increase your cat's lifespan. So, if you witness any signs and symptoms that might indicate heartworm infection in your cat, consult your vet immediately to advise you on the best action to take. The American Heartworm Society is also an ideal resource for extra information on cat heartworm disease – so check it out for further insight.
For more information, feel free to call us anytime!
Tired of your home smelling like you have a cat? 20% off PrettyLitter Sources: Heart Worm Society. Heartworms in Cats.https://www.heartwormsociety.org/heartworms-in-cats MSD Vet Manual. Heartworm Disease in Cats -MSD Veterinary Manual.https://www.msdvetmanual.com/cat-owners/heart-and-blood-vessel-disorders-of-cats/heartworm-disease-in-cats Pet MD. Heartworm Disease in Cats | PetMD.https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/infectious-parasitic/c_ct_heartworm_disease VCA Hospitals. Heartworm Disease in Cats – Treatment.https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/heartworm-disease-in-cats---treatment Vet.Cornell. Heartworm in Cats.https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/heartworm-cats Daily Paws. How to Spot, Treat & prevent Heartworms in Cats.https://www.dailypaws.com/cats-kittens/health-care/feline-parasites/treat-prevent-heartworm-cats Hills Pet. What is Heartworm in Cats? Symptoms, Diagnosis and Prevention.https://www.hillspet.com/cat-care/healthcare/heartworm-in-cats


Abstract
Liposomes have become increasingly common in the delivery of bioactive agents due to their ability to encapsulate hydrophobic and hydrophilic drugs with excellent biocompatibility. While commercial liposome formulations improve bioavailability of otherwise quickly eliminated or insoluble drugs, tailoring formulation properties for specific uses has become a focus of liposome research. Here, we report the design, synthesis, and characterization of two series of amphiphilic macromolecules (AMs), consisting of acylated polyol backbones conjugated to poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) that can serve as the sole additives to stabilize and control hydrophilic molecule release rates from distearoylphosphatidylcholine (DSPC)-based liposomes. As compared to DSPC alone, all AMs enable liposome formation and stabilize their colloidal properties at low incorporation ratios, and the AM's degree of unsaturation and hydrophobe conformation have profound impacts on stability duration. The AM's chemical structures, particularly hydrophobe unsaturation, also impact the rate of hydrophilic drug release. Course-grained molecular dynamics simulations were utilized to better understand the influence of AM structure on lipid properties and potential liposomal stabilization. Results indicate that both hydrophobic domain structure and PEG density can be utilized to fine-tune liposome properties for the desired application. Collectively, AMs demonstrate the potential to simultaneously stabilize and control the release profile of hydrophilic cargo.
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes Materials Science(all) Condensed Matter Physics Surfaces and Interfaces Spectroscopy Electrochemistry